The reading year has started well: I was very happy with my January reads and this good streak continued in February. In addition to enjoying what I read, I also managed to tick off poetry and an Estonian-language book, staying true to my reading goals of 2018. Plus the Zadie Smith is rather hefty, so one could argue “reading more big books” has been complied with as well.

1. The Only Story by Julian Barnes. I’ve read three books by Barnes and this is possibly my favourite, followed by The Noise of Time. So far, he has never astonished me, but I do like his rather understated writing. The Only Story is a beautiful take on a clichéd subject, an affair between a young man and a more mature woman. It wears its morals (if you can even call them that) lightly and managed to surprise me with the direction it took. Recommended, unless you’re allergic to Barnes.

2. Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge. An enlightening book about race in the UK. I would have probably found it even more enlightening if I’d read it before, say, Coates and Baldwin. It could have been better edited and some parts clearly make more sense to British readers, but it’s well worth checking out if you have any interest in the subject matter (you should). I’ve seen some (ahem, white) people being upset about the title. I suggest reading the book – or at least the first 20 pages – before passing any judgement.

3. The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden. I wrote a little review about The Bear and the Nightingale, the first book in the series. I liked the second one even better, as the canvas is larger and it’s more dynamic – it’s just what I prefer, not that the book is necessarily objectively superior. We see more of Vasya’s siblings, another plus for me. If you’re in the mood for some atmospheric folklore-inspired fantasy, check this out (although it’s better suited for winter).

4. Winter by Ali Smith. Another winter read, but unfortunately less successful in my case. People have suggested that it’s Smith’s experimental style that doesn’t work for me. I don’t think so, however, I in fact believe she writes very well (and I loved Lincoln in the Bardo that is experimental AF). For some reason, she just doesn’t touch me very deeply and in this specific case, I found the characters to be mere symbols, (stereo)types. I also thought the discussions on Brexit and politics were unoriginal and tiresome, although it’s possible I have very high standards in this area. There were some brilliant moments, mostly highlighting the complexity of sisterly love (hate) and I wished there was much more of that.

5. Miracle Fair by Wislawa Szymborska. There are some writers whom I admire intensely, but don’t necessarily enjoy. Szymborska’s poems are extremely impressive while also being just wonderful, at least many of them (I’ve never read a poet with whom I’m 100% on the same wavelength). Her range is incredible, she can do everything from the World War II to Greek mythology to domestic love. I especially like her way with nature, her metaphors are exceptional, even in translation.

6. Feel Free by Zadie Smith. It is not entirely clear how much of my fascination with Zadie Smith is based on her general awesomeness and how much on her writing. That said, Feel Free is a great book, if a bit uneven – that is common with collections that gather essays published on different topics in different contexts. I think Smith has a gift for non-fiction: she is intellectual, but enthusiastic, insightful and nuanced (sometimes too thorough). I like her best on books and politics, possibly because this is where my own main interests lie.

7. Lindvistika ehk metsa see lingvistika by Valdur Mikita. Another collection of essays, this one by an Estonian semiotician, writer and biologist (according to his original university degree). Reading Mikita, I constantly swing from enthusiasm to frustration and back again. His three passions – language, nature and Estonianness – combine into fascinating, enjoyable, often original thoughts. I do appreciate how he creates a positive nation-myth, something almost no-one seems to be capable of these days. He does exaggerate, however, and repeat himself and often overreach. Then again, he is one of those people who is worth reading (at least for Estonians) even if you don’t agree with him.

What have been your best recent reads? Anything you look forward to reading soon?